Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, who Matheus Cunha has previously had his say on
Morgan Gibbs-White
Manchester United are being linked with a move for Morgan Gibbs-White(Image: Getty Images)
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Matheus Cunha has already given his backing to Morgan Gibbs-White as speculation intensifies over interest from Manchester United.
It has been reported that United have put the Nottingham Forest playmaker near the top of their transfer wish list as they gear up for what may be a substantial midfield revamp in the summer window.
Gibbs-White nearly sealed a move to Tottenham last year before being convinced to stay by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. He is currently valued at roughly £60million, though that price might fall sharply if Forest - currently only two points clear of the relegation zone - drop into the Championship at the end of the season.
One of the major factors behind Gibbs-White's appeal is his versatility. The 26-year-old can feature as a No. 8, a No. 10, or out wide on either side, giving potential admirers important tactical variety in different formations.
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United's reported pursuit may not only be based on his flexibility or the possibility of negotiating a lower transfer fee. Internal support could also potentially influence the situation.
Cunha, who previously shared a dressing room with Gibbs-White at Wolverhampton Wanderers, has labelled him a "great player," suggesting the duo might combine effectively at Old Trafford.
When Wolves drew 2-2 with Forest in April 2024, Cunha found the net and copied Gibbs-White's trademark goal celebration. At first, some observers took it as a slight aimed at his ex-team-mate, but Cunha later explained it was merely friendly banter rather than an effort to ridicule him.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates
Matheus Cunha has sung Morgan Gibbs-White's praises in the past(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Getty Images)
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"I didn't know I would be doing that celebration after scoring such an amazing goal... it was a little bit of a joke with Morgan Gibbs-White. He's a great player," said Cunha, who completed a £62.5m switch from Wolves to United last summer.
"I know things have been said before the game about when we played each other in the Carabao Cup last year, so after he scored, I scored and I remembered this celebration, but there was nothing else more than this. It was just a little joke between us."
Later, Gibbs-White addressed any remaining talk by stressing there was no animosity between them, underlining that the moment was simply playful. "Cunha is a friend of mine. He's a good guy, a really good guy. Football is entertainment, and we showed that today."
So far this season at the City Ground, Gibbs-White has delivered solid numbers, registering eight goals and five assists across 37 appearances - a respectable contribution given the side's difficulties. United face competition for his signature, as Manchester City and Tottenham are also monitoring the England international.
Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest runs with the ball under pressure from Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United
Gibbs-White is one of several midfielders United are tracking(Image: Getty Images)
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After focusing on strengthening their attack last summer and bolstering the back line in 2024, United's next objective is a notable reshaping of their midfield department. Gibbs-White's Forest colleague Elliot Anderson is also said to be a target in that area, while Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace talent Adam Wharton have also featured prominently in their thinking according to several reports.
Securing any of those players, though, is expected to be challenging. All three might demand transfer sums around - or potentially above - £100m. Meanwhile, United are attempting to trim their wage bill, with their three headline arrivals of 2025 - Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo - each accepting contracts worth approximately £150,000 per week.
How successfully the club manages that financial balancing act could determine whether a move for Gibbs-White is feasible and may ultimately shape both the structure and ambition of United's reconfigured midfield.